Courses:

This page includes a schedule of class sessions.

After completing this course, students will:

• Have a better understanding of the research environment by
  • understanding the scientific publication cycle and research process
  • knowing the difference between various types of publications and when to use them
  • being able to identify appropriate research tools for their coursework
• Become effective researchers by
  • having the ability to search online research tools efficiently
  • being familiar with the MIT Libraries system and the Libraries Web page
  • being able to critically evaluate information
• Develop a scientific communication foundation by
  • being able to cite sources appropriately and be aware of bibliographic management tools (e.g. RefWorks) as well as other help (e.g. Writing Center)
  • being able to recognize the parts of a citation (source title, author, etc.) and what type of material is being cited (journal, book, conference proceedings, etc)
  • recognizing the purpose and value proper citations hold in the scholarly world

Students will complete 6 assignments throughout the semester, accompanied by research logs (see Course Schedule for assignment dates). Assignments will be explained in detail during class. Students will also review a series of online tutorial modules that relate to class lectures and will give feedback on them. No tests or final exam.

Freshmen – Pass/No Record (Institute requirement for Pass: Performance at C level or better.)

Attendance and participation at each of the 13 class meetings is expected. If for some reason you can not attend a class, or if you must leave early, please notify the Instructor in advance.

This course is part of a project developed by staff of the MIT Libraries and Professor Donald Sadoway and funded by MIT's d'Arbeloff Fund for Excellence in Education. The project, titled "Finding and Evaluating Information," is designed to introduce first year students to the scientific research process and provide them with the skill necessary to find, evaluate and use information successfully throughout their educational careers. The project consists of this course, 3.093, and the set of online tutorial modules that students will review and evaluate.